1. Introduction to Psychological Disorders
Module 29

2. Defining Disorder

3. Psychological Disorder
A “harmful dysfunction” in which behaviors are maladaptive, unjustifiable, disturbing, and atypical

4. An exaggeration of normal, acceptable behaviors
Maladaptive
An exaggeration of normal, acceptable behaviors
Destructive to oneself or others

5. A behavior which does not have a rational basis
Unjustifiable
A behavior which does not have a rational basis

6. A behavior which is troublesome to other people
Disturbing
A behavior which is troublesome to other people

7. Norms vary from culture to culture
Atypical
A behavior so different from other people’s behavior that it violates a norm
Norms vary from culture to culture

8. MUDA
A mnemonic device used to remember the four attributes of a psychological disorder
Maladaptive
Unjustifiable
Disturbing
Atypical

9. Understanding Disorders

10. Early Views of Mental Illness
In ancient times, mental illness was usually explained through a supernatural model; the person was possessed or a sinner
During the Middle Ages treatment methods were inhumane and cruel

11. Philippe Pinel ( )
French physician who worked to reform the treatment of people with mental disorders Encouraged more humane treatment

12. Understanding Disorders: The Medical Model

13. Psychological disorders are similar to a physical illness.
The Medical Model
Concept that mental illnesses have physical causes that can be diagnosed, treated, and in most cases, cured.
Psychological disorders can be diagnosed based on their symptoms and treated or cured through therapy.
Psychological disorders are similar to a physical illness.

14. Understanding Disorders: The Bio-Psycho-Social Model

15. Bio-Psycho-Social Model
Contemporary perspective that assumes biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors combine and interact to produce psychological disorders

16. Bio-Psycho-Social Perspective

17. Classifying Disorders

18. Predict the future course of the disorder
psychologists and psychiatrists classify psychological disorders according to their symptoms, in order to…
Describe the disorder
Predict the future course of the disorder
.Threat the disorder appropriately
Provide a springboard for research into the disorders causes.

19. DSM-IV-TR
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders – Fourth Edition
The text of the DSM- IV was recently revised, hence “TR” at the end

20. Published by the American Psychiatric Association
DSM-IV-TR
Published by the American Psychiatric Association
Lists and describes all the currently accepted categories of mental disorders

21. Divides mental disorders into 17 major categories
DSM-IV-TR
Divides mental disorders into 17 major categories
Includes the symptoms but not the causes of each disease
Has changed significantly since the first edition

22. DSM-IV-TR Axis

23. DSM-IV-TR Axis

24. DSM-IV-TR Axis

25. DSM-IV-TR Axis

26. Labeling Disorders

27. Labeling Stigmas
Studies show a clear bias against people diagnosed with mental disorders.
Thomas Eagleton and George McGovern 1972

28. What is a Stigma?
Stigma is a cluster of negative attitudes and beliefs that motivate the general public to fear, reject, avoid and discriminate against people with mental illness and developmental disabilities.

29. Ideas/Attitudes/Beliefs/Labels
People with Mental Illnesses People with a diseases/other health impairments
What can we do to counter stigma?

30. What can we do to counter stigma?
Learn and share the facts
Treat them with respect and dignity
Avoid labels
Support them
Respect the rights of people (don’t discriminate-housing, employment, or education)
Teach children about mental health
Understand stigma of racially and ethnically diverse populations
First person language- “person with schizophrenia” NOT “schizophrenic”- focus is on the person, not their disability.